QUEENS, N.Y. — St. John’s University men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino ranted during a March 1, 2000, press conference when he was the head coach of Boston Celtics that legends Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish weren’t “walking through that door” to help the team’s play improve.
Little did Pitino know that, more than 24 years later, thieves would walk through the door of his office and make off with a ceremonial sword and a bullhorn, among other items.
“Police said in a statement that the two men somehow gained entry ‘without authorization’ and removed a number of items before fleeing on a moped heading westbound on Union Turnpike,” according to an ESPN news service report.
More About the Pitino St. John’s University Office Theft
St. John’s University spokesman Brian Browne says the theft happened Tuesday night shortly before 8 p.m. at the athletic department offices, which are located in the floors above the hardwood at Carnesecca Arena, where the Red Storm play.
He told ESPN the police investigation is ongoing, and it is not immediately clear if other items were stolen from the Hall of Fame coach’s office or other parts of the building.
At least Pitino was able to joke about the incident after the fact and took special note of what wasn’t taken during the break-in.
The 1985 Petrus was a joke🤣🤣I would never keep that on my desk! Saving that one in a wine cellar to open after the Johnnies go to the final four! https://t.co/18R6yZ3gQD
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) August 22, 2024
Even though it seems like Pitino got off relatively unscathed in this incident, it might be time for St. John’s University officials to look into upgrading their access control systems, like several other colleges and universities did this summer before students returned to campus.
The post Rick Pitino Loses Sword and Bullhorn (But Not Expensive Wine) in St. John’s Office Theft appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.